Managing the transition to winter: tips for employers of foreign workers

As Canada moves from summer to winter, a new rhythm takes shape across worksites, greenhouses, and factories. For temporary foreign workers, this period can be challenging: adapting to the cold, new schedules, and shorter days.

For employers, it’s also a key moment: supporting this transition directly impacts motivation, productivity, and team well-being.

Supporting Those Who Stay: Stability and Adaptation

Workers who remain through the winter are already integrated into company routines and culture. However, lower temperatures, accumulated fatigue, and family distance can affect their morale.

Encouraging communication, adjusting schedules based on weather conditions, and recognizing ongoing efforts help maintain a positive environment.
This is also the perfect time to offer internal training, review winter safety procedures, and strengthen team spirit through human gestures ; shared meals, moments of recognition, and mutual support.

Welcoming New Arrivals: Preparing for a Smooth Start

For new workers, arriving in the cold season requires careful preparation. Employers can play a key role by informing them in advance about climate conditions and essentials to bring: warm coats, insulated boots, gloves, hats, and thermal layers. It’s highly recommended to encourage them to bring proper winter gear from their home country to avoid costly last-minute purchases.

Equinox reminds that logistical preparation (transport, housing, travel coordination) is essential for a smooth and safe integration, especially during a first Canadian winter.

Practical Tips to Protect Workers from the Cold

Employers can actively help ensure their teams’ safety and comfort during winter:

• Check that employees have proper winter gear (coats, boots, gloves, hats, scarves).
• Provide or recommend accessible, affordable stores for essential purchases.
• Offer heated spaces for breaks to help workers warm up.
• Remind employees to change wet clothes, use protective balms, and avoid long exposure to wind.
• Adjust outdoor tasks according to extreme temperatures and weather alerts.

These preventive measures reduce risks of accidents, illness, and fatigue, and help maintain motivation.

Encouraging Life Beyond Work

Winter shouldn’t be seen only as a challenge, but as an opportunity for cultural discovery.
Employers can encourage their workers to enjoy local activities : Christmas markets, community events, winter sports, or simply exploring the city. These experiences strengthen integration, reduce stress, and increase loyalty season after season.

Employers who accompany their teams through this transition contribute not only to their workers’ well-being but also to their own operational stability.

And for Equinox, it’s through this coordination between employers, workers, and support teams that collective success is built, season after season.